Skillogalee Wines, Basket Pressed Shiraz, Eden Valley, 2009

From dry-grown vines surrounding Dave Palmer's winery at an altitude of 450 metres, the fruit was vinified in open-top fermenters then basket pressed before maturing in old French and American oak hogsheads for 20 months. It's a real beauty, balancing fresh, minty berry fruit with leather, chocolate and earthy notes. There is a dusting of coconut, cinnamon and vanilla from the integrated oak, complemented by firm tannins and a long, smoky finish.